Notes & Tips: Walgreens "Family Fall & Wellness" Briefing

Recently, I was asked to be a part of a Video Conference Briefing hosted by Walgreens regarding Flu and lead by Dr. Gwenn O'Keefe in order to broach the topic that's on everyone's minds, Seasonal Flu and more importantly, H1N1.

It was a participate. Thank you Walgreens and Dr. O'Keefe. Here I share my notes and Dr. O'Keefe's Tips for Family Fall and Winter Wellness from the briefing.



Family Fall and Winter Wellness Briefing
- Walgreens Flu by Dr. Gwenn O'Keeffe

Pediatrician health journalist, parent and social media expert. She writes Pediatrics Now and Dr. Gwenn Is In. She is from the Boston area and practices in Boston area hospitals.

Topic 2009 Flue Season
2 Different Flu Viruses of the Influenza variety;
a) seasonal flu which we have each winter
b) H1N1 (Swine Flue) just on the scene; concerning is its newness;

Dr. O'Keefe recommends two Shots
one for H1N1 and one for seasonal flu
seasonal flu vaccine shortages are occurring - Walgreens expects more in Nov
Testing shows the vaccine is safe

Moms face flu exposure first in and out of the home - take care of mom, even basic essentials: have the home stocked of
basic meds, groceries, soups, juices, etc. have child care help in place and stay home when sick! Keep your children home if they are sick at all. Have doctors numbers on the fridge and have a 'go to' person in place, friend or neighbor on-call for errands or children; and keep prepare meals from freezer that are readily available when you're not.

Walgreens and Dr. O'Keefe recommend: Try to get both seasonal and H1N1 shots.
They can be given together or separately = except the Nasal vaccines SHOULD BE GIVEN SEPARATELY.

How to Stay Well For the Ones You Love
1) Get adequate sleep;
2) stay hydrated - drink plenty of water;
3) take multi-vitamins;
4) eat well; and
5) avoid contact with sick people.

H1N1 Facts:
Best thing to do: stay home, drink fluids, get rest, take fever reducers.

If difficulty breathing occurs, inability to eat, etc. - go to doctor's or ER
Could be mild at first and end up in the ER 5 days later.

Keep Your Family Well:
Wash hands often w/soap or antibacterial gel - after any contact with anyone;
cover mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze;
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose;
Avoid contact with sick people;
If Sick, STAY HOME - avoids spreading germs and get well sooner!

Hope this helps you all. Are there any questions you would like Dr. O'Keefe to address? She has offered to follow up and answer any specific questions or address anything overlooked. What are your thoughts? Are you and your family planning to be vaccinated? How do you prepare?

Including my Notes and Tips in the "Works For Me Wednesday" blog carnival so as many Moms as possible can be educated on this relevant topic.

Warmly,